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Contents
Overview
The bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis), also sold as wood or fan shrimp, lives in flowing rivers across Southeast Asia. It grows to about 3 inches (8 cm), has a sturdy brown to reddish body with a pale stripe down the back and, instead of claws, fans of bristles it uses to filter particles from the water.
Watching one perched on a branch, facing the current and opening and closing its fans, is mesmerizing. Despite its size it is completely peaceful and bothers neither fish nor other shrimp. It is not a beginner shrimp, though: it needs a mature tank with flow and suspended food, and many starve in tanks that are too clean or too new.
Care and tank setup
Its survival depends on suspended food reaching its fans.
- Tank: 20 gallons (80 L) or more, well established (months, not weeks), with a strong filter or a circulation pump.
- Perches: driftwood, branches or tall rocks in the flow where it can hold on.
- Warning sign: if it is picking at the substrate with its fans, it isn't finding enough food in the water column.
- Acclimation: drip acclimate. Like all shrimp, it is very sensitive to copper.
- Molting: it hides; leave the molt in for a while, it returns minerals.
It lives well with small to medium peaceful fish and other shrimp. Avoid nippy fish (tiger barbs, cichlids) and spotless tanks with filtration so fine it strips out every particle.
Feeding
It is a filter feeder that catches microorganisms and fine particles. At home, supplement several times a week with powdered food for filter feeders or shrimp, spirulina or very finely ground pellets, released upstream of its spot with the filter running. A mature, planted tank produces part of that food on its own.
Breeding
It does not breed in a freshwater aquarium. Females may carry eggs, but the larvae need brackish water to develop and die in fresh water. Nearly all animals for sale are wild-caught, so buy responsibly and commit to keeping it well for its whole life. Choose animals that are actively fanning in the store and avoid ones that look pale or sluggish.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Bamboo shrimp. Calculated from the data in each profile.
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Horned nerite snail Clithon corona 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Bronze cory Corydoras aeneus 21 gal (80 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Zebra danio Danio rerio 16 gal (60 L) · 64–77 °F (18–25 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Platy Xiphophorus maculatus 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 16 gal (60 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Ember tetra Hyphessobrycon amandae 11 gal (40 L) · 73–82 °F (23–28 °C) 
Neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Panda cory Corydoras panda 16 gal (60 L) · 68–77 °F (20–25 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Bamboo shrimp, and why.
- Tiger barb: eats shrimp
- Betta fish: eats shrimp
- Common goldfish: eats shrimp
- Discus: incompatible temperatures, eats shrimp
- Angelfish: eats shrimp
- Yellow lab cichlid: incompatible pH, eats shrimp
- Clown loach: eats shrimp
- Oranda goldfish: eats shrimp
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Bamboo shrimp healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Bamboo shrimp need?
At least about 80 liters. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Bamboo shrimp need?
Between 22 and 28 °C, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
What fish can live with the Bamboo shrimp?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Bristlenose pleco, Cherry barb, Nerite snail, Horned nerite snail and Bronze cory. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
